Why do I need a switch?


I just watched a few videos about audiophile switches and I don’t understand the need. Cable comes into my home and goes to a modem and then a NetGear Nighthawk router. I can run a CAT6 to my system or use the wireless. If you don’t need more ports, why add something else in the signal path?  On one  of the videos the guy was even talking about stacking several switches with jumpers and it made the sound even better. He supposedly bought bunch’s of switches at all ranges and really liked a NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS108Ev3) That costs $37 on Amaz.

Thanks in advance.

128x128curiousjim

@markprice here is the reality, these products are snake oil, through and through. If actually measure what comes out of your speakers, there would be 0 difference. 
 

that said, you are subject to your biases, and your brain interpret things differently.

 

@fredrik222

oh dear, oh dear, oh dear,

my ears are my measurements, that's what I go on. I don't buy anything until proven so. You obviously interpret your biases by listening to your measurements 😂 good luck with that!

Only when you add more digital stuff into the signal path can you add the highly desired pixel dust. It makes the zeros rounder and the ones straighter. 

I actually do use a switch, but could care less about the audiophile tweaks. I have 5 devices in my HT that need Ethernet. I have a 50' run from my Wifi router to the outlet at the entertainment center which goes to a cheap 1 gbit switch to feed all 5 devices. 

I keep the switch power supply on the "dirty" side of my power conditioners.

I do use a hospital grade Ethernet isolator immediately before that switch, but its’ a surge thing. If lightning were to come down the 50’ from my router it would take out a lot of gear.